GENTILE’S TWO DIMENSIONS TAXONOMY

Limitation of one-dimension classification systems :

1. Does not always capture the complexity of many skills that a practitioner must take into
account when -
a) making decision about instruction
b) practice routines
c) therapy regimens

2. To overcome the limitations, Gentile (2000) broadened the one-dimension approach by

considering two general characteristics of the skills :
a) the environment context in which the person perform the skills
b) the function of the action characterizing the skill

3. The taxonomy contains of two subdivided characteristics to create an expansive

taxonomy yields sixteen skill categories.

4. The taxomomy itself is a classification system that is organized according to

relationships among the component characteristics of whatever is being classified.

5. Gentile’s taxonomy presents a similar approach to classification of motor skills.

6. In addition, Gentile originally proposed it as a functional guide for physical therapists to

assist them in assessing patient’s movement problems and selecting functionally
appropriate activities for these patients.

7. The taxonomy not limited to the physical therapy context but also provides an excellent
basis for understanding the performer demands for a wide variety of motor skills.

8. Everyone who is involved in teaching or training motor skills can benefit from the use of
the taxonomy.

9. It is an excellent means of becoming aware of the characteristics that make skills distinct
from as well as related to other skills. It demonstrates the small change in certain
 characteristic of a motor skill can result in a considerable increase in the demands
placed on a person to perform the skill.

10. It demonstrates that small changes in certain characteristics of motor skill can result in
demands to perform the skill. (an excellent guide for establishing practice or training
routines

 Enviroment Context
- Regulatory conditions
- Intertrial variability

 Non - regulatory Condition